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USDA APHIS Veterinary Services Import Permits

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) serves as the regulatory authority for the import, or transport of live organisms, embryos, vectors, cell cultures, animal products, and animal by-products into the United States. APHIS Veterinary Services (VS) requires importing entities to submit applications outlining the specific items they wish to import.

VS Permits are issued to the Importer of Record, which is not required to match the product manufacturer as they may not be equipped to undertake export/import. All applications are completed through USDA’s “eAuth” online portal.

VS Permit types include:

  1. VS 16-3 Permit: For the import of controlled materials or to transport organisms, vectors, animals, products and by-products
  2. VS 16-7 Permit: For the import of cell cultures and their by-products. This permit type also includes the importation of Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), but the FBS permit specifically has additional costs and requires pre and postmortem facility inspection
  3. VS 17-129 Permit: For the import or transit of live animals, semen, embryos, and eggs for hatching
  4. APHIS Biotechnology Regulatory Service (BRS) 2000: For the release or movement of genetically engineered organisms

How TSG can help

TSG’s consultants are well versed in all the requirements for VS permit filing with APHIS. We can assist with:

  1. Compiling and formatting all data requirements
  2. Filing VS Permits through the eAuth online portal
  3. Managing annual permit maintenance

Need help filing your import permit?

Why TSG

TSG provides companies with high-quality regulatory and scientific consulting services. We aim to understand our clients' goals and objectives, learn the scientific and technical aspects of projects and anticipate compliance challenges to plan a strategic path forward. TSG's team of experts is deadline-focused, responsive and committed to professionalism. We have the utmost respect for the confidentiality of our work, strong project management skills, and take great measure to cultivate long-term partnerships with clients.

Our Professionals

Our team of regulatory consultants help clients with all aspects of animal feed regulations, including the APHIS VS permitting process through the USDA. Leslie Patton, Shannon Bryant-Spas, Micah Reynolds, Pete Stevenson and Harold Stowe have over 40 years’ combined experience in the registration and ongoing compliance of animal feed and animal health products.

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Useful information

Frequently asked questions

Yes, APHIS VS Permits are issued per organism, vector, animal, product, etc.

APHIS VS Permit protocol only applies to FBS collected or processed in the US or Canada. Any FBS that is collected and processed outside of these countries is not subject to the zoosanitary export requirements set forth by APHIS.

The most recent guidance is here: ca-fbs-gi.pdf (usda.gov)

Currently, USDA-APHIS is only accepting permit applications through the eAuth online portal.

The VS permitting process is critical as it certifies that domestic animals, animal byproducts, and other zoonotic organism have been inspected according to appropriate procedure. Through this process, they are considered to be free from quarantine pests, practically free from other injurious pests, and conform to the most current standard of regulatory oversight.

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